NEW YORK : Indian Americans in New Jersey already had enough reasons to celebrate, what with three members of the community emerging victorious in the state in last November’s election. On Jan. 15, they had one more: James E. McGreevey, who has close links with the community and has also visited India, was inaugurated as the governor of the state. And he became the first governor to appoint an Indian American — Seema Singh — to a cabinet position.

Singh, a lawyer and founding member of the Asian Indian Women’s Association, has been named New Jersey’s Public Advocate, while the three Indian Americans elected were: Upendra Chivukula, 17th District, N.J. Assembly; Parag Patel, Edison Township Council; and George James, Westwood Township Council.

McGreevey’s swearing in was hailed by members the community, who attended the event in significant numbers. “The Indian community definitely supported him,” said Harjap Singh Aujla, an engineer in New Jersey, adding that the new governor had worked to help Indian businesses. McGreevey’s inaugural address also resonated with South Asians — he emphasized education. The Democratic leader said it was of utmost importance that schools laid the groundwork to prepare the future citizens of this country for their future and challenges. Stating that it was “intolerable” that about 30 percent of third graders in schools across New Jersey did not meet reading standards, McGreevey vowed to make changes in schools uppermost on his priority list. The event, attended by thousands of people, was a grand affair filled with the sounds of bagpipes, choir music, benedictions for New Jersey and America, in the majestic setting of the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial.

Dressed in a dark blue suit and a red, blue and white tie, McGreevey, 44, looked dapper and exuberant as he sat on the stage topped by lavish wine-colored and gold draperies with his wife and others.

Following the inauguration, the new Governor and his wife led a line of marchers from the War Memorial to the Statehouse. The parade had groups, bands and performing acts including a TV Asia float with bhangra dancing.

“We like him, he’s like a family member,” said Jaswant Singh, a sales associate with Nann Agency Inc. Realtors and a New Jersey resident. He said he was well-acquainted with the governor, whose favorite Indian dishes are apparently dal and chicken tikka masala. Singh also added McGreevey had gone to India a few years ago and paid a visit to both the Golden Temple and the Somnath Mandir.

“He gave me a model of the Golden Temple last Christmas as a gift,” said Singh. Aujla, the engineer with the state of New Jersey, said the governor was very comfortable with Indians and had even addressed a gurdwara a few years ago.